Author: mattabyron

It has been a while since I did a blog. Call it laziness, writers block, or whatever it is, the words just haven’t been flowing lately. So what’s been going on? For those who have followed me you know that I have a few books that I have put out. The last one was Beyond the Darkness which was published in October of 2017. The book chronicles a team of Paranormal Investigators and more specifically, the lead investigator, Lucas Mitchell who discovers a deep connection to the events of his past during their current investigation. Some haunting and scary things unfold culminating in events that will change his world forever.

When I first decided to write this book I realized that there wasn’t really a book like it out there. A lot of the books under the genre of Paranormal have to do with romancing a vampire or to some degree a lover’s tale with a hint of paranormal. I have no problems with books like that but I wanted to do something a little bit different. I don’t consider my book a horror book, it is more paranormal than anything else. I wanted to tell a story that would have some scares but also have deep characters. So if you are into ghosts and other spooky things but also want a good story to follow, check it out. If you are interested in reviewing this book, send me a message. I am always looking for honest reviews.

So I am jumping back on the writing train after a brief rest although its been a little more than brief. I have a couple of projects I’m working on. I have begun the follow up book to Pine Brook Falls, this would be book 2 of the series. If you have read Pine Brook Falls, please know that the next book in the series will be out next year. Stay tuned for more information and a early preview later this year. Another project is in the early stages and I am thinking of making it into a series if all works out. I will have more information about this in the future.

I wanted to share a few links I have come across. These are different sites offering writers opportunities. I have not personally checked them out so I cannot speak on their validity but in case you are interested, feel free to check them out for yourself. I am not sponsored, affiliated, or have any association with any of these organizations.

Stairway Press: Now Accepting Manuscript Submissions

Stairway Press publishes and markets literary books in a variety of genres including science, science fiction, short stories, political essays, literary thrillers and adventure books. They are not interested in young adult or children books. Their main focus is quality writing. Although a number of the books I looked at I would not describe as literary, even in the context of genre.

Through the Ages: Seven Markets for Historical Short Fiction

Historical fiction is an astonishingly vast genre that transports authors and readers back to the past – from Wild West tales of cowboys and gunslingers to prehistoric fiction featuring the early beginnings of mankind. Take a look at some of these magazines, websites and literary journals that accept historical short fiction.

I have recently submitted my latest book to Inkitt’s writing contest. I don’t know much about Inkitt but I thought it was worth a shot. My latest book, Beyond the Darkness, is available for free through this contest. If you are interested in reading my Paranormal thriller for free, click on this link.

If you are still curious about what my book, read the following review.

I love a good supernatural thriller, and Beyond the Darkness by Matt A. Byron fit the bill. In this supernatural novel, you get everything those of us who like ghosts and hauntings enjoy – a team of paranormal investigators, ghosts, a haunted old house, and a mystery.

In the story, Lucas Mitchell (the head of this team of paranormal investigators) is trying to wrap his mind around the events of his past and the things he is experiencing in the present. The author does not give the reader any easy answers, so I found myself reading the lengthy book rather quickly so I could find out what was really happening. And, I was surprised!

Fans of hauntings and books that make the hairs on your arms stand up will enjoy this novel. It has excellent pacing and solid characters and enough spooky elements to satisfy your thrill-seeking nature. Without a doubt, I will suggest this book to like-minded friends and read Matt Byron’s next novel.

If you read my story on Inkitt and like it, I would love if you would vote for it. This would help it gain traction. I am interested to hear what people think. Thank you for reading this and hopefully you find Beyond the Darkness worthy of your vote.

Everyone is looking for writing opportunities and I have a couple to share with you. I get offers all the time. Some of them look promising while others seem more like hype. I have a couple to share with you that looked pretty good.

Writer’s Digest is conducing their 87th annual writing competition. They have an early bird special submission by May 4th. Here is information about the contest.

For more than 80 years, talented writers of all genres have been celebrated in this renowned competition. And this year, the spotlight could be on YOU.

Submit your best work in up to 9 categories, including Memoir/Personal Essay, Rhyming Poetry, Genre Short Story (Mystery, Romance, etc.) and more! To get more information click here.

I am not affiliated with Writer’s Digest in any way, but it looks like a good opportunity. Another one I have found is here.

$200 for Short Stories and Essays

The Masters Reviews bills itself as a “Platform for Emerging Writers.” They publish short stories and narrative non-fiction.

One key point: They want writing from writers who are not yet established. That means, “any new and emerging author who has not published a work of fiction or narrative nonfiction of novel length. You must not have a novel forthcoming at the time of submission”

They pay 10 cents per word, up to $200.

Submissions are free for their “New Voices” category.

According to their submission guidelines:

We accept fiction and narrative non-fiction. We do accept a variety of genres and styles, our only requirement is that you show excellence in your craft. We want to be wowed. Bend genres, experiment with structure, and write your heart out. But please, send us polished work. Our aim is to showcase writers who we believe will continue to produce great work. Send us only your best.

If you would like more information about this opportunity, click here.

Okay, that’s all I have for today. I hope you find some of this information helpful. If you want to check out Beyond the Darkness on Inkitt, you can check it out here. Until next time, happy writing.

Hello again. It’s just a few days before Christmas and the winds have picked back up here in Southern California. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people that have been affected by the many fires that have been burning the past few weeks. I also want to send my best wishes to the brave men and women who are battling these fires and pray that they all return safely home.

I read an article recently that Rob Lowe opened up his house to the many brave firefighters to provide them with meals as a way to say thank you. In a time when the only news is bad news, it’s nice to hear a story that restores your faith in humanity.

So, to change topics to something dark, creepy, and a little chilling, I want to share a chapter of my recently released book, Beyond the Darkness. Yes, this is an attempt to plug my book. At least I admit it up front. Its difficult being an independent author and you write a book. Not only do you write a book, first you have to plot it out, write several drafts. Then complete edits. Send it to another pair of eyes to also provide edits. Design the book cover and when everything is said and done, put it out there for the world to see.

But is it good? That is the key question. If I can write something that can evoke a feeling or an emotion from the reader, that would be a wow moment. Think about it. Words that were in my head, put down in paragraphs to tell a narrative, and someone reads those same words and feels something from them. That would be cool. Words are powerful and they have weight.

So, this weekend the Kindle version for my book, Beyond the Darkness will be absolutely free. Killer discount. Huge savings. Not really. My book is only $2.99 to start with but hey, free is free. The discount will begin Saturday December 23rd and run through Christmas. If anyone reading this likes books that delve into the paranormal, a spooky house with a character driven plot filled with creepy, don’t look behind you moments, then please check out my book.

Here is a chapter from Beyond the Darkness to give you a better idea of what it’s all about.

Warren Walton stood on the porch of the house. His brother was still at the hospital with Amelia. Colleen was being cared for by his wife, Teresa. Ted had told him that a group of investigators were coming to check out the house later that afternoon.

He looked around. The desert heat seemed warmer than what he was accustomed to this part of the year. Using his house key, he entered the home. The house felt empty. As it should be, he thought. He hoped Amelia was okay, but he had his doubts. He told his brother that he thought she might need professional help. But Ted wouldn’t listen.

He walked to the base of the stairs. Smears of blood remained on the hardwood floor. He looked up and winced at the thought of Amelia taking that fall.

Amelia was a good woman. She had always been a good wife to Ted and a great mother to Colleen. But something happened in the last few months, he noticed. She wasn’t the same. She was paranoid and fearful.

She had been hospitalized twice in the last three months with high fever. Now Colleen was having nightmares and claiming to hear voices too. It’s not a coincidence, he thought. Amelia’s behavior was affecting his niece, and he didn’t like it.

He pulled out his cell phone from a pocket in his Cargo Shorts. The battery was dead. He was sure it had been fully charged before he left. Feeling a little bewildered, he slipped the phone back into his pocket.

He stood outside the kitchen when he heard a loud thud behind him. He spun around quickly, the sound still echoing in his ears, but nothing was there. The front door was still open. The slanted light from the sun cast shadows around the room.

Where did that come from? His eyes shot up to the second floor as he heard a slight creaking sound; small, hollow, and faint, but definitely a creak in a floorboard. He was certain. Shaking his head, he was a little surprised that his heart was racing.

He had been out of the military for almost fifteen years, but he vividly remembered witnessing things most people couldn’t even comprehend. Once a Marine, always a Marine.

As he waited by the kitchen, something caught his attention on the second floor landing. The light from the sun didn’t reach all the way up, but still he saw movement out of the corner of his eye.

Trust your instinct, Marine. He moved toward the stairs, his heart now beating at a controlled pace. He climbed the steps two at a time until he reached the top. Forty-eight years old and he could still run ten miles a day and climb stairs almost in a single bound. He smiled.

As he stood on the second floor, he looked to the left and then the right. All the doors were closed. He moved right, towards his brother’s room, when he heard a slight click behind him. The shadows on the wall to his left quickly faded away as if he had chased them away with a flashlight. But he didn’t have one.

He noticed the open door at the end of the hall. His nerves of steel began to feel more like aluminum. He was sure the door had been closed, but now light was spilling out of Colleen’s room like a flowing river.

Just the sun shining through the window, he assured himself. He took a step and stopped. Looking down to the first floor and then back at Colleen’s room, he laughed out loud. He had left the front door open, and the wind must have blown Colleen’s door open.

Feeling a little foolish, he walked towards his niece’s bedroom with a Clint Eastwood-like swagger. He had just paused outside the doorway when something nipped at the back of his neck that made him shiver. He turned around quickly, but no one was there. He swiped at the back of his neck. That’s when he noticed the cold.

He took a step back from the room. He felt chills down his spine but he knew it wasn’t fear. Looking towards Colleen’s room, he could feel the freezing air flowing out.

His brother never told him there was anything wrong with the thermostat. Shaking it off and rubbing his neck, he took a step towards the room. That is when he heard the door at the other end of the hall open slowly. The creaking sound was unmistakable.

I hope you liked it. If you have read Beyond the Darkness or plan on downloading it this weekend, I would love to hear your thoughts. Leave a review on Amazon. Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read this. I hope you all have a safe and joyous Holiday Season.

I wanted to share a short story I wrote some time ago. No, it’s not a Christmas story. My stories tend to be a little on the dark side and I fear if I were to write a Christmas story good ol’ Santa Claus may befall some tragic event that would threaten Christmas forever. So, for the sake of all the boys and girls of the world, and the safety of St. Nick, I will refrain from writing a Christmas story. See, I think I just saved Christmas.

Now, the story I would like to share is not holiday related. In fact, I wrote it years ago for a writing class. It’s flash fiction, so it will be very short. The premise was I had to write a story in under 30 minutes with no rewrites. I wrote it and it stuck. I didn’t know where I was going with it when I started the first sentence but it developed over the course of a few paragraghs and it stuck. Here is my flash fiction story. Happy reading.

Harry’s Journal

To whom it may concern,

Those of you that read this might think I made this up. Others might just think I was crazy. But this is not an act of lies or deception, but my honest account of an otherwise amazing yet unbelievable event that I see as my duty to tell you about.

I am not looking for publicity or fame nor am I looking to scare anyone who may come across this. I guess I should begin another way. My name is Harry. It is the name I was given and the only name I know. Much of the world as I know it is the same now as it ever was. My friends always told me I lived a life of fairytales. If they only knew what had happened to me, they would have changed their minds.

My knowledge is not made up out of thin air and at no time did I get inspired by anything I had read. It’s hard to explain this without giving you a little history about me.

I am seventeen years old. I guess that would be the right way to explain it. I had friends who were like my family, family that were my life and a girlfriend, Rachel, who was the better part of one whole of me. I didn’t have a bad upbringing and for the most part, have lived a good, even if I can say, great life. If only it would have stayed that way, I would not be leaving this for you now and you wouldn’t have any reason to read it. For that I am sorry.

The event I speak of came without warning and to my credit, unwarranted. I have never been special or gifted so there really isn’t any explanation for any of this except, it just is. After that event, things started happening to me which I couldn’t explain. I first started noticing things were different a few weeks ago, but I dismissed them altogether. I tried to live my life as normal as possible, but things kept happening. I would see things and hear things all the time with growing frequency. No one believed me when I tried to tell them what I was going through. Not even my girlfriend. In fact, they stopped talking to me altogether.

I know what you must be thinking. I am some young kid looking for attention but I assure you that is not the case. I have no cause for attention nor do I want it. I just want to live my life without distraction. I want a normal life. Not one interrupted by events that are beyond my ability to control. I know you may not want to believe me and I don’t blame you. If I were you, I wouldn’t have any reason to believe it either but I must insist you read further and the true nature of what I am writing will become clear.

I lost the ability to communicate with my friends because of everything that had happened. I am not looking for your sympathy. I have enough of my own but I have learned to accept what has happened to me as I hope you will too. I am a conduit. I can commune with the dead. This is the part where you might be inclined to stop reading and walk away but please don’t because you need to finish reading this. This is not something I want or desire, it just is and it is my duty to explain it to you.

Due to events that I have endured, I have lost the ability to communicate with the living. I didn’t understand it at first until I realized that the event that changed my life was actually my death. I had died but had no idea that it had happened. As to how I died is not of importance, just the fact that I did. Please know that I can no longer communicate with the living. Is this starting to become clear to you?

I finally accepted my death in return to help others who haven’t been able to accept their own. I am a conduit for the dead and if you are able to read this then you must realize that you are like me. I can only communicate with the dead and I am communicating with you now. I know it’s not easy to believe, but in time, you will come to accept it as I did. I am sorry to be the one to have to tell you.

The time for holiday celebration is upon us. The stores are humming with holiday music. Kids are excited to for Santa’s visit. Visits with long lost family, well perhaps not lost but those people who you haven’t seen since last year that you come around that you may or may not hold a resemblance to. Yes, its that time of year again. I hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season.

I came across some writing opportunities that I would like to share. I have not looked into these very closely so I don’t know how good they are but I thought I would share them with you.

Here are a couple links to check out.

$800 for Short Stories to be Published in “Awakenings”

The Book Smugglers is currently seeking submissions of short stories for their upcoming anthology, Awakenings.

According to their call for submissions:

“When it comes to Awakenings, anything goes. You, the author, should feel free to take this general theme and interpret it in any way you see fit–from a story about an AI’s first hours of sentience, to magical alternate histories featuring characters discovering how to wield power for the first time, anything goes.

We encourage authors to subvert these sample themes, to expand upon what “awakenings” means, and adapt the prompt to other possible connotations and genres under the Speculative Fiction umbrella.”

They will pay 8 cents per word, up to $800.

Stories should be between 1,500 and 17,500 words.

The stories will be published free on their website, as well as in an ebook. The ebook will offer 50% net royalties.

The deadline to submit is December 31st, 2017, at 11:59PM. (The very last minute of 2017!)

They plan to respond to all submissions by February 20th. To learn more, visit this page.

The markets on this list include anthologies and magazines, most are interested in short fiction but some are also interested in graphic novels, plays, poetry, and other cross genre work. Almost all of the markets on this list pay. Some pay professional rates, others less. Most focus on speculative fiction, some with an additional theme…

If any of these links are useful, I wish you the best. Writers need to look out for one another. And just to put my own plug out there, my new book Beyond the Darkness is available on Amazon. I am always looking for honest reviews so if anyone is interested, please send me a message.

Again Happy Holidays, hope you have a great and safe holiday and a Happy New Year.

What do we know of the Paranormal? Do ghosts actually exist? Does the search into the unknown fill you with wonder? We fear what we don’t know because we don’t understand it. If a door closes by itself, could there be a logical explanation for it?

There are many questions into this phenomena because there is very little “evidence” recorded. Can recording devices, special cameras, and meters capture what evades the naked eye?

This Halloween season, take a journey with a group of Paranormal Investigators as they try to answer these questions and more. In Beyond the Darkness, this Paranormal Thriller novel explores the possibilities that exist between this world and the next. It examines our own self reflecting questions on what happens after we die.

What better way to get into the spirit of Halloween? Beyond the Darkness. Discover for yourself what awaits.